Senior Aquatic Ecologist

Origin Environmental; Daresbury; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Origin Environmental is seeking a Senior Ecologist/Biologist to lead aquatic ecology surveys, assessments and reporting across the UK. The role focuses on expanding aquatic ecology services within Bowland Ecology and multidisciplinary projects.

You will manage field surveys, lab processing and data interpretation, while developing client relationships and delivering high-quality reports with a hands-on, proactive approach.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree level qualification.
• Membership of CIEEM or equivalent.
• Technical expertise in aquatic ecology, particularly invertebrate identification to at least family level.
• Excellent communication, team working, project and time management skills.
• Hands on approach, initiative and self-motivation.
• Ability to write clear and concise reports.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Leading and organising field surveys
• Processing live and preserved samples in the lab
• Identifying macroinvertebrates to family and/or species level across ponds, streams and ditches
• Interpreting field and lab data and presenting clear findings
• Managing your own projects, tenders and client relationships
• Producing accurate technical reports
• Providing line management support

Skills

Aquatic ecology

Invertebrate ID

Communication

Time management

Report writing

Driving licence

Teamwork

Project management

Education

Ecology degree

Job description

Senior Ecologist / Biologist

Location: Daresbury

At Origin Enterprises, we are dedicated to championing sustainable land use, and our Environmental teams support a diverse range of clients and projects—from land management and development to restoration and conservation.

Joining us means becoming part of a collaborative, purpose driven community where this collective expertise enables us to deliver high quality, fully integrated solutions and contribute to meaningful environmental outcomes across the UK and Ireland.

About Bowland

Established in 2005 Bowland Ecology is a UK wide professional Ecological Practice, employing a large team of highly qualified professional ecologists with a range of specialisms.

The company has a wealth of experience of major projects across a wide range of sectors. We have long standing relationships with a range of clients and are retained on several private and public sector frameworks. We have a proven track record of successfully resolving complex ecological issues on a wide range of projects.

We deliver high quality work and focus on developing our staff and expertise through training, collaboration, research and innovation. We are proud of our CIEEM Registered Practice Status and our ecologists are bound by the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s (CIEEM) code of professional conduct.

The role will include:

Bowland Ecology is looking for a passionate, skilled ecologist/biologist to help shape the future of our aquatic ecology and entomology work. You will lead the delivery of aquatic ecology surveys, assessments, and reporting. The successful candidate will play a key role in expanding the consultancy’s specialist aquatic ecology services while contributing to multidisciplinary ecological projects throughout the UK.

• Leading and organising field surveys
• Processing live and preserved samples in the lab
• Identifying macroinvertebrates to family and/or species level across ponds, streams and ditches
• Working with colleagues and external specialists to ensure high quality sample collection and identification
• Interpreting field and lab data and presenting clear findings
• Managing your own projects, tenders and client relationships
• Producing accurate technical reports
• Providing line management support

What You'll Bring:

• Relevant degree level qualification
• Membership of CIEEM or equivalent
• Technical expertise in aquatic ecology, particularly invertebrate identification to at least family level
• Excellent communication, team working project and time management skills
• Hands on approach, initiative and self-motivation
• Ability to write clear and concise reports
• Enthusiasm, confidence and a passion for Ecology and Entomology
• Full UK driving licence

Also Welcomed:

• FBA Accredited identification skills
• Species-level aquatic invertebrate identification skills
• Experience/expertise in other areas of aquatic ecology (e.g. fish, macrophytes)

Why work for us?

We offer a competitive and supportive rewards package designed to help you thrive both professionally and personally. This includes Life Assurance, access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and paid professional memberships such as CIEEM. We're committed to continuous development, offering a blend of internal and external training opportunities to help you grow your skills and advance your career.

As part of our inclusive culture, you'll have the opportunity to join our monthly Neurodiversity Café, take part in community action days, and benefit from our family friendly policies, including enhanced family leave options. While we value time spent together in our offices to collaborate and stay connected, most roles offer hybrid working and open conversations around flexibility.

You'll also enjoy 25 days' holiday, regular performance and development reviews, and the chance to collaborate across the wider Origin Group, especially within our growing family of Environmental businesses.

We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are proud to be building a diverse, inclusive team where everyone can grow, contribute and feel valued.

Visit our website to learn more - and grow with us.

#growwithus